Dog bites
occur regularly in California. Consequently, California has passed several laws that apply to a dog bite or attack.
The first rule is strict liability. At other times, a dog owner might behave negligently under the circumstances, and a dog attack may result.
Under a strict liability legal theory, a pet owner is responsible for bite injuries that their dog causes—even if the owner did nothing wrong. In other words, unless the victim took some action to provoke the dog attack or trespassed on the dog owner’s property, the owner is fully responsible for the resulting bite injuries.
This is true even if the dog never showed any vicious propensities or bit anyone. Even though a dog owner can be automatically liable under the circumstances, the accident victim will still need to demonstrate that they suffered at least one injury in the attack and that their injury was a direct result of the dog attack incident.
Another applicable legal theory in California dog bite cases is that of negligence. Negligence is often the basis of claims involving non-bite-related injuries, such as when a dog jumps up and knocks someone over or causes scratch injuries. Non-bite injuries from dogs do not fall under the strict liability statute.
To prove that a dog owner was negligent, the bite victim has to satisfy several legal elements. First of all, the victim must demonstrate that the dog owner behaved unreasonably under the circumstances. Generally speaking, this means that the owner must have done something that a reasonable dog owner would not have done, or they must have failed to do something that a reasonable dog owner would have done.
For example, the dog owner, knowing that the dog was dangerous, might allow it to run around the neighborhood. Similarly, the dog owner might have failed to muzzle the dog or keep the dog on a chain or leash, even while knowing that the dog had dangerous or vicious propensities.
As with strict liability, a dog bite victim will still need to show that they suffered injuries in the attack and that these injuries directly resulted from the incident.
In either a strict liability or negligence claim, the knowledgeable Redding dog bite attorneys at Reiner, Slaughter & Frankel can help you satisfy the legal burden of proof in your case. If it is a negligence claim, we can help you demonstrate that the dog owner did something unreasonable under the circumstances. In any case, we can help you prove that you are entitled to recover various damages, depending upon the severity and scope of the injuries you suffered in the dog attack.
Pursuing Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Redding
Victims of dog bites and attacks in Redding have a legal right to recover monetary compensation for their injuries and damages. Not all dog bite cases are the same. Therefore, the compensation that one bite victim might recover may compare to what another victim receives in a different case. One dog attack victim may suffer a permanent injury while the other person does not.
Factors that influence the damages that a dog attack victim can recover include the nature and extent of their injuries, the cost of the medical treatment, and whether or not the accident victim will require a medical procedure in the future (as well as the anticipated cost of that medical procedure).
First of all, victims of dog bites and attacks in Redding can pursue monetary compensation for their related medical treatment and procedure expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs. In addition to pursuing and recovering economic damages for their injuries, they might also be eligible to pursue noneconomic compensation.
These damages compensate dog attack victims for all of their pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of the ability to use a body part, and permanent disability. A dog attack victim who suffers visible scarring, such as from a deep bite wound, may assert a claim for humiliation, shame, or embarrassment resulting from the scarring.
A healthcare provider will need to show, to a reasonable degree of medical probability, that you suffered permanent injuries. In addition, if the bite victim alleges that they will need to undergo skin grafting, surgery, or some other medical procedure, a healthcare provider will need to describe (in writing) the likelihood of that procedure and the anticipated cost of the procedure—including associated costs of physical therapy, rehabilitation, or other treatment.
The knowledgeable team of Redding dog bite lawyers at Reiner, Slaughter & Frankel make it their priority to help accident victims and dog bite victims recover the monetary compensation that they deserve. Our legal team will zealously advocate for your interests at all times and will pursue the maximum amount of compensation that you need in your dog attack case.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Redding Dog Bite Lawyer About a Possible Case Today
When dangerous dogs are allowed to roam at large, they can attack and seriously injure others—especially children and vulnerable older adults. Whenever these incidents happen, dog attack victims must often undergo lengthy and painful medical treatment for their injuries—and some end up being permanent. If you or a person you care about has suffered injuries in a dog attack, one of the most important steps you can take after the incident is to retain knowledgeable and experienced legal counsel to represent you throughout your claim or lawsuit.
The skilled and compassionate team of litigators at Reiner, Slaughter & Frankel understands and appreciates the pain, suffering, embarrassment, and humiliation that often accompany dog bite injuries. Our legal team will aggressively pursue settlement compensation on your behalf. If the insurance company will not offer you the damages that you deserve, our legal team is not afraid to file a lawsuit and litigate your case to trial if that step becomes necessary.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Redding dog bite attorney, please call us today at (530) 241-0290 or contact us online to discuss your dog bite claim.
Redding
2851 Park Marina Dr #200
Redding, CA 96001
Phone: (530) 241-0290
